IFLY tips Auckland

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Sky Tower (2-3 hrs)

A truly captivating experience awaits visitors to Auckland's Sky Tower. At 328 metres, it is the tallest man-made structure in NZ and offers breathtaking 360-degree views for up to 80 kilometres in every direction.

Travel up in the glass-fronted lifts to one of the three spectacular viewing platforms, or for more thrills and excitement Skywalk round the pergola or Skyjump off the tower. Base jump by wire and fall straight down for 11 seconds at 85 kilometres per hour. It is an unforgettable experience for daredevils.

It is open every day of the year from 8:30 am to 10:30 pm. A ticket costs $28 and if you say you are a backpacker you pay only $15. We guess it’s unnecessary to mention the address, but ok… It’s located at the corner of Victoria and Federal Streets.

Auckland bridge climb (2 hrs)

If you want to experience the Auckland Harbour Bridge by foot, you have to do the bridge climb. During a 1,5 hours guided tour you will climb under, around, up and over one of Auckland's most iconic landmarks. Enjoy Auckland to the fullest with 360-degree views from the summit.

More information can be found at their website. Here you can book your tickets as well. The climb is not cheap; it costs $120 for adult. If you want to go there you have to go to the base of the bridge on the downtown side.

Auckland Bridge Bungee (1 hr)

New Zealand is the land of bungee jumping of course. For $150 you can do a 40 metre jump off the Auckland harbour Bridge. Perhaps not the highest jump, but a beautiful location it is. You can choose for an ankle tie, harness jump or tandem. The company is AJ Hackett Bungee, the bungee originals and it is New Zealand’s only ocean touch. If you're lucky you might even spot a dolphin or whale while you're out there.

For bookings go to their website. If you want to go there you have to go to the base of the bridge on the downtown side. You can watch a movie here:

Trip to the north (2-3 days)

Most people are heading south from Auckland. But north of the city are some really beautiful places. So rent a car or a camper van and travel north. The drive from Auckland to Cape Reinga is 7 hours. This is the most northern point of New Zealand. This is where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific meet.

Another place not to miss is 90 mile beach. You can drive at this beach with a maximum speed of 100 kilometres per hour. Best place to drive is between Waipapakauri ramp and Hukatere, so you don't 'meet' any rocks. Some rental companies have a clause in the contract that you're not allowed to drive the 90 mile beach.

If you are looking for more exciting activities, go sand boarding at Te Paki sand dunes, nearby Cape Reinga. For $5 to $15 you can rent a board. There are several rental services, even a truck at the dunes. You don’t have to be experienced. Just bring a lot of energy when you go there.

Trounson Kauri Park (2 days)

Of course you have to try to see a life symbol of New Zealand: the Kiwi Bird. You can try to do this in Trounson Kauri Park, where you can also watch the huge Kauri trees. It is a 3 hours drive from Auckland and you could do this in combination with a trip to Cape Reinga. You have to stay overnight, as you have to go on a 'kiwi bird safari' at night. At night is the best time to spot these timid animals.

Stay overnight at Trounson Kauri Park campsite with your camper or tent. If you want a bit more luxury or need a cabin, go to Kauri Coast Top 10 Holiday Park 5 km before the park from Dargaville. From this campsite they organise guided kiwi night walks for $20 per person.

If you want to do your own tour, after the campsite at the park, turn left at the intersection and go to the main entrance. Park your car there and start your free 40-minute walk. Bring torches at night. Besides kiwi's you can see weta, bats, kauri snails, glow-worms and the huge Kauri trees of course.

One of the most beautiful peninsula’s nearby Auckland is Coromandel. Rent a car and drive the beautiful winding roads along the coast, which are better than Australia's Great Ocean Road.

From Auckland drive south and follow the directions to Thames. From there you can discover the peninsula. The drive to Thames is two hours from Auckland.

Eat fish or oysters in Coromandel Town. Drive to Hahei and make a walk to the amazing Cathedral Cove. Stay overnight at Hot Water Beach and enjoy the hot water during low tide. Bring or rent a spade and dig your own hot bath at the beach. You can easily spend a few days at the peninsula.

Surf town: Raglan (2-3 days)

If you are looking for the best surf beaches in New Zealand, go to Raglan. From Auckland take route 1 south. In Hamilton turn right and follow the road to Raglan. The drive will take you approximately three hours.

Stay overnight in Raglan town, at the campsite in town or go freedom camping with your camper van.

The surf beaches are a bit south of town. Go to Wanui beach, Manu beach and Whale Bay for example. If you don’t know how to surf, the Raglan Surfing School offers a unique 3-hour comprehensive lesson, which begins in the “Surf Classroom” at the Karioi Outdoor Centre in Whale Bay. For more information, go to their website.

Rotorua thermal parks (2 days)

Rotorua is a city on the southern shores of the lake of the same name, in the Bay of Plenty region. The city is known for its geothermal activity, and features geysers and hot mud pools. This thermal activity is sourced to the Rotorua caldera, on which the city lies.

To go there take SH 1 from Auckland and follow the signs Rotorua. Driving time from Auckland is three hours.

On the road to Taupo there is another beautiful Thermal park, Wai-o-tapu, which is even more beautiful. Make sure you are there around 9:45 am, as every day at 10:15 the big Lady Knox geyser will erupt.

Mount Maunganui (1-? Days)

If you are looking for a very relaxing town with beautiful beaches and the best climate of New Zealand, go to Mount Maunganui.

You can go surfing, swimming, climb Mount Maunganui, do all kind of beach activities, enjoy the restaurants in town, go swimming in the hot salt water pools or… do nothing at all. In this place it’s impossible not to be laid-back.

Book a hotel, rent an apartment or park your camper van at the beachfront campsite. The drive from Auckland is three hours. Take SH 1 south. Change to SH2 to Tauranga and from there drive to Mount Maunganui.

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Language of the world

Of course you like to speak a few words of the local language onboard the plane or at your destination. Here you find some simple basics of the main language spoken in Auckland.